The Latin Recording Academy has named Raphael as their Person of the Year for 2025. He will be honoured on November 12 as a part of Latin Grammy Week leading up to the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas that will include a tribute concert.
The Spanish born artist has been making music for over six decades. The Academy describes Raphael as “impactful” and “has transcended borders and languages”.
Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud issued a statement on Raphael saying, “we feel tremendously proud to pay this well-deserved tribute to Raphael for an exemplary artistic career that has transcended borders and languages. His unmistakable style, resilience, and constant reinvention have kept him relevant throughout the decades, making him a source of inspiration for new generations of Latin music creators.”
Speaking on being named the Person of the Year, Raphael also issued a statement saying, “I feel deeply grateful to The Latin Recording Academy for this recognition that I have dreamed of receiving for many years. Being named Person of the Year thrills me immensely; it’s the best way to celebrate so many years of dedication and love for music. Thank you to the audiences that have always stood by my side, to my dear colleagues, and the entire music industry. It’s an honor I will always carry in my heart. I look forward to reuniting with everyone in November to celebrate together and give back all that affection through songs. A huge hug and my most sincere gratitude.”
The 26th annual Latin Grammy Awards will be held on November 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The nominees will be announced on September 17. The Latin Grammys are debuting two new categories at this year’s awards – Best Music For Visual Media and Best Roots Song.
Born in Linares, Sapin, Raphael earned the Best Child Voice in Europe Award at the Salzburg Festival when he was just nine years old. And in 1966 he brough home the annual Eurovision Song Contest home to Spain with “Yo Soy Aquel” and again in 1967 with “Hablemos Del Amor”. In 1970, Raphael performed on the storied American television show “The Ed Sullivan Show”.
Raphael went on to star in film, become a celebrated songwriter, tour the world, and record numerous songs. Overcoming a brain lymphoma diagnosis last year, the 82 year old Raphael continues to sell out venues.
Raphael will join previous Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year recipients Carlos Vives, Laura Pausini, Marco Antonio Solis, Ruben Blades, Juanes, Mana, Alejandro Sanz, Marc Anthony, Robert Carlos, Joan Manuel Serrat, Miguel Bose, Caetano Veloso, Shakira, Placido Domingo, Juan Gabriel, Gloria Estefan, Juan Luis Guerra, Ricky Martin, Jose Jose, Carlos Santana, Gilberto Gil, Vicente Fernandez, Julio Iglesias, and Emilo Estefan.